President William Ruto has attributed delays in reopening the Kenya-Somalia border to funding shortfalls and political instability in Somalia.
President William Ruto spoke in Wajir County on June 1 after Madaraka Day celebrations. He said an earlier plan to reopen the border by April 15 had been delayed by security concerns and costs linked to Kenya Defence Forces operations in Somalia.
“I really thought I would have opened those borders by now. But unfortunately, there is always a delicate balance between security and commerce,” Ruto said. He noted the lack of consistent international funding and the absence of a unified government in Somalia as key obstacles.
The border has remained closed since October 2011. Ruto added that further talks on a phased reopening are scheduled during the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties from June 14 to 18.